Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state and chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum has urged Christians to use the Easter period to pray for God’s intervention in overcoming security challenges in the country particularly the banditry activities ravaging the North-central zone.
The governor, in an Easter message coming barely 24 hours after bandits killed six security personnel in Niger state, implored Christians to take advantage of the period and pray for God’s intervention amidst security challenges bedevilling the nation.
“There is no doubt that these are tough times in our country; insecurity in almost every part of the country. However, rather than succumb to the wishes of the evil doers and feel threatened about these uncertain times, we must rise to the fact that these are trials, and should strengthen our resolve to collectively confront our challenges.
“This moment calls for sober reflection and not fanfare; hence, I enjoin Christians to remain steadfast and fervent in prayers, for God to bring peace back to our land so that issues of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and all forms of insecurity will come to an end,” a statement issued Friday by his chief press secretary, Mrs. Mary Noel Barje, read in part.
He urged Christians to also use the period for sober reflection on the virtues of love, selflessness, forgiveness, sacrifice and perseverance as exemplified by Jesus Christ which he said are the hallmarks of Easter celebration.
He wished Christian faithful a successful and hitch-free celebration while urging them to be security-conscious and to report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authorities.
